Preliminary study on common molecular markers between endometriosis and ovarian cancer

Objective To determine common molecular markers between endometriosis and ovarian cancer. Methods The specimens from 31 endometriosis patients who underwent laparoscopic excision, 28 other disease patients with normal oarium and 35 ovarian cancer patients who received the ovariectomy were collected. Expressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), estrogen receptor 1α (ER-1α), progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR) and aromatase (CYP19) were detected by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Compared with those in normal oarium group, the mRNA levels of TGF-β1, VEGF, ER-1α, AR, CYP19 and COX-2 in endometriosis group were increased by 2.05 fold, 2.20 fold, 3.32 fold, 1.45 fold, 3.19 fold and 3.00 fold, respectively, and the mRNA level of PR was reduced by 69% (all P < 0.05), while those in ovarian cancer group were increased by 5.61 fold, 7.61 fold, 7.49 fold, 4.79 fold, 7.76 fold and 5.35 fold, respectively, and the mRNA level of PR was reduced by 95% (all P < 0.05). Conclusion In endometriosis and ovarian cancer tissues, the expression levels of TGF-β1, COX-2, VEGF, ER-1α, AR and CYP19 are increased, and the expression levels of PR are decreased, which maybe suggest both diseases are potentially relevant. Key words: Endometriosis; Ovarian neoplasms; Hormone receptors; Molecular markers